20 Easy Christmas Hairstyles Anyone Can Do at Home

Twisted Holiday Bun

• Brush hair smooth and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape
• Split the ponytail in two, twist each section, then wrap them together
• Coil the twisted rope into a bun and secure with bobby pins
• Finish with a velvet bow and a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray

Want an updo that looks salon-made but takes under ten minutes? This twisted holiday bun is your answer. Start by brushing your hair smooth and gathering it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, securing it with a clear elastic. Split the ponytail into two equal sections and twist each one clockwise, then wrap the two twists around each other to form a rope. Coil that rope into a bun shape, tuck the ends underneath, and pin everything with bobby pins. The twist pattern adds beautiful texture that makes the finished bun look intricate.

Pull out a few soft strands around your face to keep the look relaxed rather than severe, then pin a small velvet bow or festive clip at the side of the bun. A light mist of flexible-hold hairspray locks the style in place without stiffness, and the whole look photographs beautifully against holiday decorations. Because the bun sits low, it also works perfectly with statement earrings or an off-the-shoulder dress. If you have fine hair, tease the ponytail lightly before twisting to add volume. This style even survives a full evening of hugging relatives and dancing.

Fishtail Braid Cascade

• Gather all hair to one side and divide into two large sections
• Alternate small pieces from each side to build the fishtail pattern
• Secure the end with a clear elastic and gently pancake the braid
• Wrap a strand around the elastic and finish with shine spray

Love braids but bored of the classic three-strand version? The fishtail looks far more complicated than it actually is. Sweep all your hair over one shoulder and divide it into two equal sections. Take a small piece from the outer edge of the right section, cross it over to the left section, then repeat from the left to the right. Keep the pieces small and even for the prettiest texture, and do not pull too tightly. Continue all the way down the length of your hair, which takes most people about eight minutes once they get the rhythm.

Once the braid reaches the ends, secure it with a clear elastic and gently tug the edges outward to pancake it for a fuller, more relaxed look. Hide the elastic by wrapping a thin strand of hair around it and pinning it underneath. A spritz of shine spray adds a festive glow that catches the Christmas lights beautifully. This style stays put for hours without constant fixing, making it perfect for long family dinners. Because the braid sits to one side, it pairs gorgeously with a strapless or off-shoulder neckline.

Ribbon-Tied Ponytail

• Smooth hair into a high ponytail with a boar-bristle brush
• Secure tightly with a strong elastic at the crown
• Tie a wide satin ribbon into a full bow around the base
• Add soft waves to the tail with a curling iron

Some days you just need a hairstyle that takes five minutes flat. This ribbon-tied ponytail delivers festive charm with almost zero effort. Brush all your hair upward into a high ponytail at the crown, smoothing the sides and top with a boar-bristle brush as you go. Secure it with a strong elastic, then take a wide satin ribbon — emerald, burgundy, or classic red all look stunning — and tie it into a full bow right at the base of the tail. The ribbon instantly transforms an ordinary ponytail into something Christmas-party worthy.

For extra polish, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic before tying the ribbon so no bands show. Curl the ponytail loosely with a one-inch iron and brush through for soft movement that sways as you walk. This style keeps hair off your face while you cook, open presents, or chase toddlers around the tree. If your ponytail is on the thinner side, tease the tail gently at the roots for instant fullness. The whole look takes under seven minutes from brush to bow. It is also gentle enough for a busy Christmas morning routine.

Half-Up Ribbon Bow

• Curl your hair loosely and brush the waves out softly
• Gather the top section from temples to crown
• Secure with a small elastic, then cover it with a velvet bow
• Let face-framing pieces fall naturally for softness

Half-up styles are the ultimate compromise: polished on top, relaxed below. Start by curling your hair loosely with a large-barrel iron, then brush the curls out so they fall into soft waves. Gather the top section of hair from temple to temple and pull it back to the crown, smoothing the top lightly as you go. Secure this section with a small clear elastic. The half-up ponytail keeps hair out of your eyes during dinner while the rest flows freely, giving you the best of both worlds in about ten minutes.

Now comes the festive part: tie a velvet bow over the elastic to hide it completely. Black velvet looks chic and elegant, while red or green keeps things playful and seasonal. Leave a few face-framing strands loose and curl them gently for a romantic finish. This style flatters every face shape and works on straight, wavy, or curly hair. It photographs beautifully too, which matters when the family camera comes out. If your hair is freshly washed and slippery, add a little texture spray before gathering the top section first.

Sleek Straight Shine

• Apply heat protectant generously on damp hair
• Blow-dry smooth using a paddle brush for a flat finish
• Straighten small sections with a flat iron for mirror shine
• Finish with a drop of serum on the ends only

Sometimes the most striking holiday look is the simplest one. Sleek, glassy straight hair with a precise middle part looks expensive and takes barely any time if your hair is already long and straight. Work a heat protectant through damp hair, then blow-dry it smooth with a paddle brush, aiming the nozzle downward. Once dry, run a flat iron through small sections, keeping the iron moving so the hair stays healthy. The result is a mirror-like finish that looks incredibly chic with a red lip and a cocktail dress tonight.

The secret to keeping this style smooth all evening is the right finishing products. Press a tiny drop of shine serum through the mid-lengths and ends — never at the roots, where it can look greasy. A light pass of flexible hairspray tames any flyaways without ruining the sleek texture. This style suits oval and heart-shaped faces especially well, and it shows off statement earrings perfectly. Because there is no curl to drop, this is one of the most reliable styles for humid holiday kitchens. Re-run the iron over the front sections right before leaving.

Messy Holiday Topknot

• Flip your head upside down and gather hair into a high pony
• Twist loosely and coil into a bun at the crown
• Pull out small pieces around the face and neck
• Add gold star pins and set with light hairspray

Christmas morning is no time for fussy hair — you want to look cute in photos without missing the gift-opening action. Flip your head upside down, gather all your hair into a high ponytail at the crown, and secure it with an elastic. Twist the ponytail loosely, coil it around the base to form a bun, and pin it in place, leaving the ends slightly undone for that effortless texture. The messier it looks, the better it photographs. Pull out a few small pieces around your face and neck to soften the whole look.

Finish with a couple of gold star or snowflake pins tucked into the bun for instant holiday sparkle. A light mist of hairspray keeps everything secure through a full day of cooking and celebrating. This style is wonderfully forgiving — second-day hair actually works better than freshly washed hair because it has more grip. If your hair is on the shorter side, you will find these short hair updos helpful for party season too. The topknot even transitions nicely from pajamas to evening with just a change of accessories.

Festive Bubble Ponytail

• Pull hair into a high ponytail and secure firmly
• Add clear elastics every two inches down the tail
• Tug each section outward to create round bubble shapes
• Tuck tiny red bows or clips between the bubbles

The bubble ponytail looks like a professional salon creation but takes about eight minutes with zero braiding skills required. Start with a high, tight ponytail at the crown — the higher the better for this look. Working down the tail, add a clear elastic every two inches or so. Then, gently tug each section outward between the elastics to create round, puffy bubble shapes. The trick is pulling evenly all around each section so the bubbles look full and symmetrical rather than lopsided. Take your time on this step, since even bubbles make the whole style.

Once the bubbles are shaped, hide each elastic by wrapping a tiny strand of hair around it, or tuck a miniature red bow between sections for Christmas flair. A light spray of flexible-hold hairspray keeps everything in place without stiffness. This style works on medium to long hair and is especially fun for younger women and teens. It also holds up surprisingly well through dancing and hugging. Because it is so playful, pair it with a simple outfit and let the hair be the statement. You will get compliments all evening, guaranteed.

Soft Holiday Waves

• Mist hair with heat protectant and divide into sections
• Wrap sections around a 1.25-inch curling iron away from the face
• Let curls cool completely before touching them
• Brush through gently and finish with a soft-hold spray

You can never go wrong with soft, touchable waves — they suit every occasion from office parties to Christmas Eve dinner. Mist your hair with heat protectant and divide it into four sections. Wrap each section around a one-and-a-quarter-inch curling iron, always curling away from your face for the most flattering shape. Let every curl cool completely before touching it; this is the step most people skip, and it makes all the difference. For more festive styling ideas, browse this Byrdie roundup of holiday hairstyles for inspiration today.

Once the curls are cool, brush through them gently with a soft-bristle brush to blend them into seamless waves. A dime-sized amount of smoothing cream through the ends adds polish and shine. This style flatters round, oval, and square face shapes equally, and it works beautifully on medium and long hair. The waves hold well with second-day hair, so consider styling the night before a big event. Because the look is timeless rather than trendy, it photographs well year after year in family Christmas pictures. It is truly a holiday classic you can rely on every December.

Braided Holiday Crown

• Part hair down the middle and create two low braids
• Pull each braid up and over the top of your head
• Pin the braids in place like a headband crown
• Loosen the braids slightly and add pearl pins

The braided crown looks straight out of a winter fairy tale, yet it is really just two braids pinned cleverly. Part your hair down the middle and create a simple three-strand braid on each side, starting low near the ears. Pull the left braid up and over the top of your head toward the right ear, pinning it securely with bobby pins that match your hair color. Repeat with the right braid, tucking the ends underneath the left one. The result is a beautiful crown effect that keeps every strand off your face all evening.

For a softer look, gently pull the braids apart with your fingertips to pancake them before pinning. Tuck small pearl or crystal pins along the crown for a festive touch that catches the light. This style is ideal for medium to long hair and works on all textures, including wavy and coily hair with a little stretching. It stays put for hours without touching up, which makes it perfect for church services and long dinners. If your braids feel tight, loosen them slightly — comfort matters as much as beauty on a long holiday day.

Pearl-Pin Low Chignon

• Create a subtle side part and smooth hair back
• Gather hair low at the nape and twist into a chignon
• Pin securely with pins matching your hair color
• Scatter pearl pins artfully through the bun

Pearls and Christmas were made for each other, and this low chignon proves it. Create a subtle side part, then smooth your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail into a classic chignon shape, tucking the ends underneath, and pin it securely with bobby pins that match your hair color. The low placement keeps the look graceful and timeless rather than severe. This is the kind of updo that works for everything from a work holiday party to Christmas dinner at your in-laws.

The magic happens with the accessories: scatter small pearl pins through the chignon in an artful, slightly random pattern. They catch the light every time you turn your head. A smooth finish is key here, so tame flyaways with a light pomade before you start pinning. This style flatters oval and long face shapes beautifully and pairs perfectly with an elegant dress and heels. Because it sits low and tight, it lasts through an entire evening of celebrations. Mist lightly with hairspray as the final step for all-night hold tonight.

Side-Swept Glam Curls

• Create a deep side part on your preferred side
• Curl all hair in the same direction for uniform waves
• Sweep everything over one shoulder and pin behind the ear
• Add a jeweled clip at the part for extra glamour

Old Hollywood glamour never goes out of style at Christmas. Create a deep side part on your preferred side, then curl all of your hair in the same direction using a one-inch iron for uniform, polished waves. Once the curls cool, sweep everything over one shoulder and secure the opposite side behind your ear with two crossed bobby pins. The deep part and single-shoulder sweep create instant drama. If your hair is shorter, these formal hairstyles for short hair deliver the same red-carpet glamour. You will feel like a movie star walking in.

Finish with a jeweled clip or crystal barrette placed right at the deep part for extra sparkle. A strong-hold hairspray keeps the sweep in place, but brush the curls out first so they fall in soft, touchable waves rather than tight ringlets. This style is stunning on heart-shaped and oval faces, and it shows off a beautiful neckline. Because all the hair sits on one side, it is also wonderfully practical — no hair falling into your dinner. Pair it with bold earrings on the exposed ear. Simple, dramatic, and unforgettable all night long.

Double Dutch Braids

• Part hair cleanly down the center from forehead to nape
• Dutch-braid each side by crossing strands underneath
• Secure the ends with small clear elastics
• Pancake the braids gently for a fuller, softer look

Dutch braids are the sporty-cool answer to holiday hair, and they keep every strand locked in place for hours. Part your hair cleanly down the center from forehead to nape, clipping one side out of the way. On the other side, Dutch-braid by crossing each strand underneath rather than over the top — this makes the braid pop outward in 3D. Work from the hairline down to the nape, then continue as a regular braid to the ends. Repeat on the second side for a perfectly symmetrical look. Practice makes these faster every single time.

Secure the ends with small clear elastics, then gently pancake each braid by tugging the edges outward for a fuller, softer finish. These braids are wonderfully practical: they survive cooking, playing with kids, and even a windy walk to look at Christmas lights. Add tiny gold cuffs or red thread woven through for a festive upgrade. This style suits round and square faces beautifully by adding vertical lines. Because Dutch braids sit close to the scalp, they also make a great base for attaching a Santa hat without ruining your hair.

Pinned-Back Holiday Twist

• Take a two-inch section from each side of your part
• Twist each section back toward the crown
• Cross the twists and pin them flat at the back
• Leave the remaining hair loose with soft waves

Not every holiday style needs heat tools or complicated braiding. This pinned-back twist takes about five minutes and looks effortlessly polished. Take a two-inch section of hair from each side of your part, near the temples. Twist each section backward toward the crown, keeping the twists snug but not tight. Cross the two twists over each other at the back of your head and pin them flat with bobby pins, tucking the ends underneath. The remaining hair falls loose and free, which keeps the whole look relaxed and modern today.

Add soft waves to the loose hair with a curling iron for extra movement, or leave it straight for a sleek contrast. A spritz of texturizing spray at the crown gives the twists grip so they stay put all evening. This style works beautifully on medium-length hair and flatters every face shape. It is also a wonderful option for second-day hair, since the texture helps the twists hold. Dress it up with a crystal pin at the crossover point, and you are ready for any holiday gathering. Quick, pretty, and completely fuss-free all night.

Voluminous High Ponytail

• Tease the crown lightly for lift before gathering
• Secure a high ponytail tightly with two stacked elastics
• Curl the tail in sections for maximum bounce
• Wrap a strand around the base to hide the elastic

A high ponytail with serious volume is equal parts fun and glamorous — and it keeps hair completely out of your way. Tease the crown lightly with a fine-tooth comb for lift before you gather anything. Flip your head forward, gather all your hair high at the crown, and secure it tightly with two stacked elastics for extra hold. Smooth the top with a boar-bristle brush and a touch of pomade. The double elastic trick is what keeps this ponytail perky instead of droopy through a long night. It works on straight, wavy, and curly hair alike.

Curl the tail in sections with a large-barrel iron, then shake it out for bouncy, touchable movement. Wrap a strand of hair around the base to hide the elastics for a polished finish. This style lifts the face beautifully and shows off your cheekbones, which is why it photographs so well. For even more volume tricks, check out this Matrix guide to holiday hairstyles with pro tutorials. A final mist of strong-hold spray locks everything in for dancing, hugging, and midnight toasts. You will love how much energy this look brings to the room.

Modern French Twist

• Sweep all hair to one side and pin it vertically
• Fold the hair back over the pins to form the twist
• Secure the twist with long bobby pins along the seam
• Pull out soft pieces to keep it modern, not stiff

The French twist sounds intimidating, but the modern version is relaxed and forgiving — no perfection required. Sweep all your hair to one side and secure it vertically along the back of your head with bobby pins, creating an anchor line. Then fold the hair back over that pinned line to form the twist shell, tucking the ends inside as you go. Secure along the seam with long bobby pins. The key difference from the vintage version is texture: keep everything slightly loose and touchable rather than shellacked. Practice once and it takes under twelve minutes.

Pull out a few soft pieces around your face and at the nape to keep the look modern and romantic rather than severe. A decorative comb or a few pearl pins along the twist add festive elegance. This style is ideal for medium to long hair and flatters oval, round, and heart-shaped faces. It is also one of the most secure updos here — once pinned, it will not budge through dinner, dancing, or hugs. Because the twist sits vertically, it elongates the neck beautifully. Finish with a light veil of flexible hairspray.

Waterfall Braid Waves

• Start a French braid at one temple, working across the head
• Drop the bottom strand each time and pick up new hair
• Continue around to the other side and secure with pins
• Curl the dropped strands for a cascading effect

The waterfall braid is pure romance — strands cascade through the braid like water over a fall. Start a French braid at one temple, but each time you would normally cross the bottom strand over, drop it instead and pick up a fresh section of hair from just below. This creates the signature cascading effect. Work your way across the back of your head to the other temple, then secure the end with bobby pins tucked underneath. It sounds tricky, but most people master the rhythm after two practice runs.

Curl the dropped strands with a curling iron for a dreamy, cascading finish that moves beautifully. This style works best on long hair with some natural wave or curl, and it is absolutely stunning on highlighted hair where the braid shows off the dimension. A light-hold spray keeps everything in place without stiffness. Because the braid runs horizontally, it flatters long and oval faces especially well. Add tiny star clips along the braid for Christmas sparkle. Practice this one a day before your event so it feels easy on the big day.

Sparkly Mini Buns

• Part hair down the center into two high pigtails
• Twist each pigtail and coil into a mini bun
• Dab cosmetic glitter gel along the part and roots
• Secure with pins and finish with strong-hold spray

Ready to have a little fun with your holiday hair? These sparkly mini buns are playful, trendy, and surprisingly easy. Part your hair down the center and gather each side into a high pigtail, securing both with elastics. Twist each pigtail loosely and coil it into a mini bun, pinning it in place with bobby pins. The magic ingredient is cosmetic glitter gel dabbed along your center part and around the base of each bun. It catches the light beautifully and washes out easily with shampoo. This look is perfect for New Year's Eve parties too.

Keep the rest of the look simple so the glitter stays the star — minimal makeup and a simple outfit work best. These buns are wonderfully secure once pinned, so you can dance all night without worry. They suit younger women and teens especially well, but anyone with a playful spirit can pull them off. If glitter feels like too much, swap it for tiny star stickers along the part. The whole style takes about twelve minutes. Just remember to use cosmetic-grade glitter, which is safe for skin and hair.

Curly Pineapple Updo

• Flip your head forward and gather curls loosely at the crown
• Secure with a satin scrunchie — never a tight elastic
• Tie a festive satin scarf around the base
• Fluff the curls gently for maximum volume

Curly girls, this one is for you — the pineapple updo shows off your natural texture while keeping it festive. Flip your head forward and gather all your curls loosely at the very top of your crown, like the leaves of a pineapple. Secure them with a satin scrunchie, which protects curls far better than a regular elastic. Let the curls fall naturally in every direction. The height of this style is incredibly flattering and elongating, and it takes about three minutes total, making it the fastest look in this entire collection.

Tie a festive satin scarf — red, green, or gold — around the base of the pineapple for instant holiday charm. Gently fluff the curls with your fingers to encourage maximum volume, and smooth any frizz with a tiny amount of curl cream. This style protects your curls while looking completely party-ready. It works beautifully on 3A through 4C curl patterns. Because there is no heat involved, your hair stays healthy through the whole season. Refresh the curls in the morning with a light water mist. Simple, protective, and absolutely gorgeous every time.

Headband-Wrapped Tuck

• Place a stretchy headband over your hair like a crown
• Take small sections and tuck them up over the band
• Work all the way around until all hair is tucked
• Pull out soft face-framing pieces to finish

This vintage-inspired tuck looks like a complicated updo but is secretly one of the easiest styles here. Place a stretchy headband over your hair, sitting like a crown around your head. Starting at the front, take small sections of hair and tuck them up and over the band, working your way around to the back. Keep tucking until every strand is rolled into the band. The result is a beautiful rolled updo that looks like you spent an hour — when it really took ten minutes with no heat at all.

A gold or jeweled headband doubles as both the tool and the accessory, so this style needs nothing else to look festive. Pull out a few soft pieces around your face to keep it romantic rather than severe. This tuck works wonderfully on shoulder-length to medium hair and is kind to fragile or damaged hair since there is zero heat. It is also a lifesaver on greasy-hair days — the tucked texture hides everything. Because it sits close to the head, it works perfectly under a winter hat too outside.

Braid-Wrapped Ponytail

• Create a smooth, high ponytail and secure tightly
• Take a small section from underneath the tail
• Braid that section and wrap it around the base
• Pin underneath and smooth the tail with serum

Take your everyday ponytail from basic to breathtaking with one simple trick: a braid wrapped around the base. Create a smooth, high ponytail and secure it tightly with a strong elastic. Take a small section of hair from underneath the tail and braid it into a thin three-strand plait. Wrap that braid around the base of the ponytail, covering the elastic completely, and pin it underneath. The braided wrap adds texture and interest that makes people look twice — yet it adds barely two minutes to your routine. It is an instant upgrade anyone can master.

Smooth the tail with a touch of serum for a glassy finish, or curl it loosely for soft movement. This style keeps hair secure through an entire evening of celebrations without a single touch-up. It flatters every face shape and works on all hair textures. If you are refreshing your look for the season, these winter hair color ideas pair beautifully with sleek festive styles. The braid wrap is also a clever way to hide a stretched-out elastic on busy mornings. Keep this trick in your back pocket all season long.

FAQ

How long do these holiday styles usually last?

Most of these looks hold for six to eight hours with light hairspray and secure pinning. Updos like buns and chignons can last all evening, while braids stay put even longer. For fine hair, add texture spray at the roots first. A quick midday touch-up with a smoothing balm keeps everything fresh through Christmas dinner and beyond.

Are these styles suitable for thin or fine hair?

Absolutely. Many of these looks were designed with fine hair in mind, since teasing, texture spray, and strategic pinning add instant fullness. Bubble ponytails and twisted buns make hair look thicker, while waves give the illusion of volume. Just avoid heavy oils near the roots and use a light dry shampoo for extra grip.

How do I keep my style looking fresh all day?

Start with clean, completely dry hair and use a heat protectant before styling. Light hairspray after finishing locks everything in without stiffness. Carry a few bobby pins and a mini hairspray in your bag for quick fixes. If humidity is a concern, finish with a light anti-frizz serum on the ends to keep everything smooth.

Can beginners really do these styles at home?

Yes, every style here was chosen for true beginners with simple, forgiving techniques. Each one takes about ten to fifteen minutes with basic tools you already own, like elastics, bobby pins, and a curling iron. Practice once or twice before the event, and keep a handheld mirror nearby to check the back. Patience beats perfection.